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GRADUATING STUDENT CHECKLIST

The countdown is ON!  Our Commencement Checklist is your guide to all steps required for graduation and commencement participation.

Mark your calendar- get everything done and fast at Grad Fair!

Grad Fair is a one-stop-shop for completing pre-Commencement tasks. If you’re a student at the WSU Pullman campus, you can come to the Grad Fair to register to participate in the Spring ceremony, rent regalia, get photos done, and more.
*This can be completed at Grad Fair

October 15th, 2025
9 AM – 4 PM
The Bookie inside the CUB, Ground Floor

1) Apply for your degree

Apply through the Office of the Registrar or the Graduate School. An application fee is required.

For your name to appear in the Commencement program, you must submit your application to graduate by the deadlineTBD

2) RSVP for the Commencement Ceremony*

Once you’ve applied for your degree, it’s time to RSVP for commencement on December 6th!  We use the information you provide to display your name, and degree on the video monitors and livestream, so it’s important that you complete the RSVP on time in order to be properly recognized at the ceremony. The deadline to register is Friday Oct. 31, 2025.

You will be sent a custom Grad Pass that will have a unique QR code to be scanned as you cross the stage. If you have a name that may be difficult to pronounce, there is also a field in the RSVP where you may provide the correct pronunciation of your name.

The RSVP is intended only for graduates, not guests. Commencement is a nonticketed event and graduates may invite as many guests as they wish. 

3) Order your academic regalia*

All graduates participating in commencement are required to wear the custom WSU academic regalia sold by Herff Jones. The deadline to order is TBD to guarantee delivery in time for the December 6th ceremony. Visit the WSU Herff Jones website here.

Honor cords are for undergraduates earning a 3.5 or higher grade-point average. For questions regarding Honors eligibility, please contact your academic advisor. Neither The Bookie or The Commencement Office provide honor cords.

4) Update your records

Keep your information up to date in University records.

Unlisted records: If you have an “unlisted” restriction on your WSU directory record, the University cannot include your name and degree in the Commencement program. It also cannot include your name on the Commencement t-shirt. If you have this restriction on your record and would like it removed, follow instructions to release directory information.

Name changes: To verify the name on your diploma, contact the Office of the Registrar or the Graduate School.

5) Complete the undergraduate placement survey*

Information collected is used to develop career and academic programming for WSU students. Take the survey here.

6) Review your student account and loans*

  • Student account status: Ensure that there is no balance due that could delay delivery of your diploma.
  • Federal loans: Check with Student Financial Services to see if you need to complete exit counseling.

7) International student? Contact the Office of International Programs*

Let them know your post-graduation plans by filling out the Program Completion Form.

Inviting international visitors? See suggestions for helping them obtain a visitors’ visa.

8) Purchase announcements, merchandise, and portraits*

Want a Cap and Gown Portrait photo-op with the official WSU backdrop? Schedule your portrait at the Grad Fair. Scheduling is not required but will guarantee your timeslot and expedite the process.

Sending grad announcements? Check the list of degrees by college, so you’re sure to cite yours correctly.

9) Join the Alumni Association*

Your membership connects you to the vast Cougar network after you graduate. View their website here.

10) Join the Cougar Athletic Fund

Your membership allows you to provide valuable support to the over 450 WSU student-athletes who rely on generous donations from CAF members to represent the Cougars in competition and in the classroom.

Graduation vs. Commencement

Graduation and Commencement are two different things.

Graduation
Satisfying all academic requirements (university, college, and departmental) for a degree.

Commencement
Ceremony officiated by the University Executive Leadership that recognizes graduates’ achievements. Participation in the Commencement ceremony is not a guarantee or an indication of degree completion.


Questions about your degree?

For undergraduate and professional degrees contact the Office of the Registrar:
509-335-9506
wsu.graduations@wsu.edu

For graduate degrees contact the Graduate School:
509-335-6424
gradsch@wsu.edu